Restoring Wood Cutting Boards

by: Gerhild Fulson  /  Cookbook Author, Blogger, German Oma!

Wood cutting boards all stained and dinged? You can restore them instead of buying new ones. Here's one of my well-used and stained cutting boards. 

Before Photo ...

Stained and 'burned' cutting board

Thankfully, I have a hubby who loves his tools ... and loves to use them to help me!

He knew just what to do. By sanding and then oiling the cutting boards, I've had their life extended.

Here's what you'll need

• a power sander
• several sheets of sandpaper
• some mineral oil
• a soft, absorbent cloth
• some paper towels

Check out my video of my hubby fixing my board below. Then follow the simple instructions and re-new your boards as well.

How to Restore your Wood Cutting Boards

Since this is a bit of a messy job, I asked my hubby to do all my boards done at the same time.

I made sure the cutting boards were clean and dry. They needed to sit for a day to air-dry.

Here's how ...

• Work outside, for this is a dusty job.
• Secure the board to a work surface.
• Using a coarse sandpaper, such as 50-grit, work back-and-forth in the direction of the grain until the board is smooth and stains are removed.
• Then switch to a 100-grit paper followed by a 150-grit paper for the finishing touch.
• Make sure you do all the sanding in the direction of the grain to get the best results.

If you do not have a power sander, you can achieve the same results using a hand-sanding block. It'll just take a bit more work, but it is doable.

After Photo ...

Restored wooden cutting board

When the cutting boards are smooth and stain-free, it's time to oil them.

• Use mineral oil because it will not become rancid or affect the flavor of the food.
• Use a soft, clean, absorbent cloth to apply the oil in the direction of the grain.
• Let the oil soak in and repeat at least 4 or 5 times until no more oil is absorbed.
• Wipe any excess oil with a dry cloth or paper towel.
• Let boards sit for about 6 hours to "harden" the oil.

Cutting Board Maintenance

Cutting board maintenance includes re-oiling the boards monthly or as often as needed. Doing this will help stop the wood from cracking or pulling apart at the joints resulting in a much bigger repair job.

Need that “all’s good with the world” feeling? Comfort food will do that. Get your copy of Oma's German favorites in her Comfort Foods e-Cookbook.

Take a peek at all Oma's eCookbooks. They make sharing your German heritage a delicious adventure!

Get Oma's FREE ebook!

---

Follow Oma on Social Media:

instagramyoutubefacebookpinterest

Leave a comment about this recipe or ask a question?

Pop right over to my private Facebook group, the Kaffeeklatschers. You'll find thousands of German foodies, all eager to help and to talk about all things German, especially these yummy foods. 

Meet with us around Oma's table, pull up a chair, grab a coffee and a piece of Apfelstrudel, and enjoy the visit.

Newest Recipes

• 
• 

1. Calve's Liver and Onions Recipe with Apples: Oma's Leber und Zwiebeln

   
   This easy liver and onions recipe is so tasty with the added apples. A hubby and kid pleaser, this is quick to make.

   Go to Recipe

2. Best 10 German Foods with Recipes – Oma's 10 Beste der deutschen Küche

   
   Oma's best 10 German foods that will have you thinking you're back in your Omas kitchen in Germany. Cooking and baking together, but best of all, making memories!

   Go to Recipe

3. German Apple Strudel Recipe – Oma's Apfelstrudel Rezept

   
   This easy German Apple Strudel recipe is one of those German desserts that brings the traditional strudel taste to your table without all the work. Wunderbar!!

   Go to Recipe

*  *  *  *  *

Let's connect...

More about me >

Hi, I'm Oma Gerhild! As a food writer and cookbook author, I'm always looking to find ways to pass on my German heritage using local ingredients. Quick and easy. That's my goal. Wunderbar food. That's the result.